Wednesday, February 22, 2012

a little update

Here's a quick little post of what's been occupying my head and heart of late:
Jones at Opening Day

Baseball- USC Opening Day was last Friday and Jones, James & I were in attendance.  Baseball is by far our family's favorite sport, and with the Gamecocks winning back-to-back National Championships the past 2 years, it's all the more fun!

Yoga- I took my first ever yoga class in November and I adore it.  Hot yoga is especially amazing.  Loving Amsa Yoga in Columbia.

Deer Tick- this song, especially


The Head and the Heart (still)- Oh, what I would do to see them on June 3rd at the Fillmore in SF...


Crawdaddy Dash: excited for this awesome (pretty-flat) 5K that I've done the past 2 years.  Early Bird sign-up by March 1st for only $20--and you get free admission to the Rosewood Crawfish Festival with your 5K registration!

What's occupying your time and thoughts lately?

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Jones' 1st Birthday Party

The party was loosely animal-themed.  Almost everything was homemade (food, decor, favors).  Close family and friends were in abundance.  The babe enjoyed himself immensely.
homemade party hats; inspiration via here
balloon animals (made by James!); inspiration via here
Balloon animals, from left-right: pink poodle, orange tiger, pink pig, blue dog, green Loch Ness Monster.  (My husband is uber-talented, no!?)  Nessy was made specifically for me.  The hubs and I have a running argument about which is more believeable- Nessy or Bigfoot.  I claim Nessy because she would be harder to fake...
guacamole & chips...more balloon animals: white bunny, yellow monkey & pink swan
left to right: yellow monkey, pink swan, yellow duck, green elephant
 The balloon animals were the hit at the party, truly.  Not pictured, the hubs also made a really cool horse and a hummingbird too.  We may start renting him out by the hour for parties...

homemade cake with homemade bunting decoration; inspiration via here & here
the sweet birthday boy with his Aunt Cat; homemade crown tutorial via here
Here are some of the details:
Food- organic animal crackers & organic Cheddar Bunnies; homemade guacamole & chips; cantaloupe, strawberry & blueberry fruit salad; grilled cheese roll-ups; homemade cake.

The cake- this was my very first attempt at making a homemade cake.  Ever.  It was intimidating, but I was determined to do it, and it actually came out pretty damn well.  I used a cake recipe that I can't seem to find online now...and this buttercream frosting recipe.  The cake was a little dry, but other than that, it tasted great.

Favors- each child took home a balloon animal, a party hat, and a goody bag which included a vintage, metal animal-shaped cookie cutter and a small plastic animal figurine.  I used plain white bags for the favors & sealed them closed with an animal stamp- either a duck or an owl.

ooohhh, cake!
the momma and the sweet birthday babe
Happy First Birthday, Jones.  Your momma and daddy had a blast planning this party! XO

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Sweetness

Loving this song by Pearl and the Beard lately.  Can't get it out of my head, really.



Thanks to this blog post for the entree.

What are you listening to?  I am desperately trying to update/enhance my listening library...suggestions?